“Still need an EPO”: truth or convenient loophole?

Why do some agencies claim that an EPO (Exit Permit Only) is still required when switching to a new KITAS via a bridging visa?

Not all agents actually process a proper bridging visa in practice. This can sometimes be due to a lack of access to specific features in the immigration system, insufficient experience, or simply a misunderstanding of how the process works.

How can you recognize this?
If you directly ask an agent: "Can you provide me with a file showing the bridging visa during the process?" — and receive a no, that’s your first red flag.

Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes:

• The agent applies for a new KITAS (for example, an E33G) “on top” of your existing one.
• Then, through internal arrangements, your passport may be handed over to immigration or an airport officer.
• There, a new visa is technically “activated” — without any actual exit or re-entry.
• In the end, you receive a new KITAS, but your previous one remains active in the system.

❗This is exactly why the agent insists that you still need to do an EPO — because now you have two active immigration statuses in the system, which violates immigration regulations.

We respect our colleagues in the industry, but we believe it’s important to clearly explain to clients where the process is legally correct — and where it’s just a workaround.